November 5, 2025
Esports still has a long way to go before it stops needing the “inclusive” label to make space for women and marginalized genders. The good news is, it’s moving in the right direction. Until then, women in esports can lean on communities and dedicated programs to break into mainstream tournaments. Here’s how.
Women have made major strides in esports over the past decade, and Raidiant’s all-women production crew is proof of that progress. Beyond the broadcast team, Raidiant-backed tournaments consistently feature dozens of women competing at a high level, showcasing both talent and dedication. From the Fortnite Milk Cup to Raidiant Academy, women players have delivered performances on par with top international esports athletes, reinforcing that skill, not gender, defines success in the scene.
However, people watching at home may feel inspired and wonder where to get started. This article should cover the basics for those dipping their toes into esports.
How to get started in women’s esports
Starting solo is often where most women in esports begin. But growth truly accelerates once you find a team. The transition from solo play to team-based competition helps players develop communication, coordination, and adaptability. While solo gaming can be fun, you may have to step out of your comfort zone and make friends within and outside the game.
Discord communities can be extremely helpful for finding like-minded players who share your goals, whether you’re forming a casual roster or preparing for open qualifiers. Seek out women- and non-binary-friendly tournament hubs and spaces, because research shows one major barrier for female players is entering environments where they feel isolated or tokenised.
If you’ve grinded your way to Immortal in Valorant without a team, there’s a good chance that several rosters are already looking for players like you. You may not even need to start from scratch. Women’s teams frequently post recruitment calls on X (formerly Twitter) to fill open roles or complete their lineups. Many of these teams already have coaches, mentors, and structured systems in place to develop and support emerging talent. If you’ve got the skill and rank to back it up, X is one of the best places to start when looking to join a pre-existing competitive team.
Alternatively, create a player profile and post your details on X or Discord channels to look for teammates within your own rank. Include your preferred role, region, and availability; details that help teams or free agents find the right fit quickly.
How to participate in all women’s tournaments
The best way to get started in women-focused esports is to join dedicated communities that foster inclusivity and growth. Platforms like the Raidiant Discord are designed for women and marginalized genders looking to connect with others in the industry, whether they’re players, casters, or production staff. These spaces often share tournament updates, team recruitment calls, and skill-development opportunities. Getting involved in such communities not only helps you find teammates and mentors but also gives you insight into how the scene operates from the inside.
Following esports-focused Twitter pages like Raidiant’s official account, femalecs, and Reddit forums also helps players stay informed about upcoming tournaments, registration deadlines, and highlight reels from ongoing competitions. These pages often feature success stories and updates about new circuits, which can motivate and guide newcomers. Twitter (or X) also serves as a hub for networking, where interacting with tournament organizers, players, and teams can lead to opportunities that aren’t always announced publicly.
For those aiming to break into Valorant esports specifically, it’s important to play as much Premier Mode as possible, since it now directly connects to the official esports pipeline. This means strong performances in Premier can lead to scouting opportunities for VCT Game Changers, Valorant’s official all-women circuit. Registering for Game Changers is simple. Teams can sign up through Riot’s official partner websites when qualifiers open.
Valorant Raidiant Academy is also an excellent gateway for aspiring Valorant players who are aiming to one day partake in Valorant Game Changers. Again, players are encouraged to join Raidiant Discord to be notified when registrations go live.
Beyond that, smaller tournaments like the Milk Cup or Raidiant Academy are perfect stepping stones. They host frequent open qualifiers and are easy to follow. For example, The Milk Cup is divided into multiple series that open registrations throughout the year, giving players several chances to compete and improve. Those interested in Fortnite can start with the Milk Cup Official Series or the Milk Cup Academy, both designed to spotlight emerging talent through weekly scrims, structured progression, and LAN finals at TwitchCon.